Article January 20, 1934 Issue

The Real Wine

ETHEL M. MC CANDLESS

On page 123 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" we may read, "Divine Science, rising above physical theories, excludes matter, resolves things into thoughts, and replaces the objects of material sense with spiritual ideas." A wonderful statement this! The truth it presents penetrates the mist of materiality and reveals infinite Mind. In this hour of universal need it is the Christian Scientist's inestimable privilege to demonstrate to the world the truth of this statement and to prove that in the process of resolving "things into thoughts" and replacing the "objects of material sense with spiritual ideas" there is no deprivation involved. When an object is replaced by something of surpassing value there can be only gain.

Our Leader gives us the following definition of "wine" (Science and Health, p. 598): "Inspiration; understanding. Error; fornication; temptation; passion." Mortals in deep need are wont to turn for encouragement and inspiration, for that which would bring surcease from sorrow and suffering, to something outside themselves. Throughout the ages the spiritually-minded have turned for help to the Being we call God. Others, seemingly content in materiality and yielding to the lure of false appetite, have sought happiness in the gratification of the senses and the momentary disregard of human obligations and responsibilities.

Mortal mind would have us believe that a majority of people today desire and demand intoxicating liquors in order that thereby they may have a material sense of happiness and ease. This false belief often leads men to think that the effect of liquor is to cheer and strengthen them, and that it exhilarates their mentality. Material belief argues falsely that a more extensive use of intoxicating beverages will help to restore prosperity. Christian Scientists have a mighty work to do in helping to free the world from the bondage of belief that there is either pleasure or profit in indulgence of that which inebriates. What a joyous task it is to demonstrate to those who are blinded by such beliefs that God alone gives prosperity, and provides infinitely better things for His children! "The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it."

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